Thompson, an accomplished attorney, actor, author and commentator, is one of America’s most recognized and respected national figures said a company statement. Additionally, he remains active in politics as well as hosts a nationally syndicated radio show.

AAG said Thompson will provide the much needed credibility, integrity, and policy knowledge to ensure the longevity and growth of reverse mortgages.

“I am proud to join AAG’s efforts. In this tough economic climate, it’s important that America’s seniors know all their options, and have the facts they need to make informed decisions about their financial and retirement futures,” said Thompson. “Reverse mortgages present opportunities for seniors to stay in their homes and enjoy their retirements, and I look forward to informing America’s seniors of the benefits of this often misunderstood financial product.”

Senator Thompson, a Republican, was elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee in 1994 and retired in 2003. Since then, he has remained active in national and international affairs and public service. He was Chairman of the International Security Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of State, and a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

As an actor, Thompson has appeared in such successful films as No Way Out, In the Line of Fire, Die Hard II, Days of Thunder and The Hunt for Red October. In late 2002, Thompson joined the cast of the long-running NBC television series Law & Order, playing Manhattan District Attorney, Arthur Branch.

“We are delighted to have Senator Thompson on board and know this will be a game changer – not just for AAG but for the reverse mortgage industry as a whole,” said Reza Jahangiri, CEO of AAG. “We look forward to Senator Thompson helping take our brand, company and industry to the next level.” He and his experience will be invaluable as AAG further develops their reverse mortgage platform in the coming months.

Related

He’s also been promoting his new book, “Teaching the Pig to Dance.” Never one to miss an opportunity, this should help give him some extra publicity.

Anonymous

HECM_Vet,rnrnGreat point!! rnrnI could not believe what a great job SLN did with those early videos. Jerry came off as an u201cevery man.u201d He came off as a very approachable, understandable, friendly, and really great spokesperson. Most seniors were well acquainted with him and he did not come with a lot of negative baggage. His presentation style was perfect and the setting was modest.rnrnWhile I like former Senator Thompson, he does have some (not much) negative issues. All in all, he should be a great addition to AAG and a very positive image for the industry. Kudos to AAG. rn

Anonymous

Way to go AAG! AAG has exhibited resiliency and productivity in regards to their marketing campaigns. On the contrary, NRMLA has charged its members a per file fee for a “PR campaign” that in 2 years has yet to produce…anything…but revenue for themselves.

Anonymous

Most Americans recognize Fred Thompson as the actor who appeared on Law and Order, unless they’re political junkies or from Tennessee.

Anonymous

Where is Jerry Orbach when we need him?

Anonymous

Azureadrift,rnrnThe HECM program was not designed, created, or first implemented under a Democratic Administration. It is very true that several prominent Republicans do not believe that the government has the constitutional right to insure anything. It seems there are even more Democrats who do not believe in the self-sustainability of the HECM program.rnrnIt is not a Republican Administration that has forced the home appreciation rates used by HUD to be lowered. It was first a Democratic Congress that required it to be lowered and now a Democratic Administration that has gone further to force that rate down to an undisclosed amount. rnrnJust as no Democratic Administration could have opened the doors to China in the 1970s, no Republican Administration could have done what the Obama OMB has done to the home appreciation rate used in the HECM budget computation. So that you are clear there have been 3 Republican Administrations that have proposed budgets reflecting HECMs and only two Democratic. Counterintuitively, Democratically controlled Congresses and a Democratic Administration are doing their utmost to curtail this program. rnrnMost would not classify me as Democratic or Republican. I live in a blue state, not a red. My district is so blue that for years not one Republican has run for the House and I refuse to move to a red district. Both of my grandfathers were union members, as well as my mother. My father has never been a union member.rnrnBy your statement, reciting these facts seems to constitute a political statement. If that is your opinion, you are not alone.rn

Anonymous

I would like to congratulate Reza, and the entire AAG family on their new spokesperson. Having worked with them I know their goal is to provide great customer experience, benefit to the borrower and provide credibility to this industry. I think Fred Thomson will bring that credibility, and could become an advocate for the Reverse Mortgage product we so badly need in the political arena, regardless of party affiliation. I congratulate the marketing team at AAG and wish them all great success.

Anonymous

I think the focus needs to be on how the Senior Viewing Audience relates to the Spokesperson and their Message, not so much Democrat vs. Republican.rn

Anonymous

I think AAG just hit a Home Run out of the Park, over the stands, and into the parking lot for the entire industry!rnNobody should get hung up on politics here.rnIt’s about having a well-known and respected Messenger that is believable, and can relate to Seniors.rnAnytime any Company uses such Spokespeople, all Reverse Mortgage Professionals benefit.rnLet’s just hope our yet to come National PR Campaign features such a Figurehead.

Anonymous

To assume that the republicans support reverse mortgages is just as short-sighted. The reverse mortgage industry has little support, currently, from either side of the aisle, and that is a major reason our industry is in such turmoil.rnrnBy the way, republicans typcially do not support government spending, and isn’t the subsidy we would like governement spending?

Anonymous

This is a great coup for AAG and the industry.

I know some have a deep aversion to Republicans being involved in any part of our industry at all. These short sighted individuals need to realize that it is the Democrats who are in control in Congress and the White House; thus they control the budget and the budget process.

In researching the McCaskill amendment, I could not find one single Republican sponsor or co-sponsor. If I am wrong, someone, please point it out.

The_Critic

This is a great coup for AAG and the industry.

I know some have a deep adversion to Republicans being involved in any part of our industry at all. These short sighted individuals need to realize that it is the Democrats who are in control in Congress and the White House; thus they control the budget and the budget process.

In researching the McCaskill amendment, I could not find one single Republican sponsor or co-sponsor. If I am wrong, someone, please point it out.

Azureadrift

To assume that the republicans support reverse mortgages is just as short-sighted. The reverse mortgage industry has little support, currently, from either side of the aisle, and that is a major reason our industry is in such turmoil.

By the way, republicans typcially do not support government spending, and isn't the subsidy we would like governement spending?

jeromew

I think AAG just hit a Home Run out of the Park, over the stands, and into the parking lot for the entire industry!Nobody should get hung up on politics here.It's about having a well-known and respected Messenger that is believable, and can relate to Seniors.Anytime any Company uses such Spokespeople, all Reverse Mortgage Professionals benefit.Let's just hope our yet to come National PR Campaign features such a Figurehead.

jeromew

I think the focus needs to be on how the Senior Viewing Audience relates to the Spokesperson and their Message, not so much Democrat vs. Republican.

kblakeney

I would like to congratulate Reza, and the entire AAG family on their new spokesperson. Having worked with them I know their goal is to provide great customer experience, benefit to the borrower and provide credibility to this industry. I think Fred Thomson will bring that credibility, and could become an advocate for the Reverse Mortgage product we so badly need in the political arena, regardless of party affiliation. I congratulate the marketing team at AAG and wish them all great success.

The_Critic

Azureadrift,

The HECM program was not designed, created, or first implemented under a Democratic Administration. It is very true that several prominent Republicans do not believe that the government has the constitutional right to insure anything. It seems there are even more Democrats who do not believe in the self-sustainability of the HECM program.

It is not a Republican Administration that has forced the home appreciation rates used by HUD to be lowered. It was first a Democratic Congress that required it to be lowered and now a Democratic Administration that has gone further to force that rate down to an undisclosed amount.

Just as no Democratic Administration could have opened the doors to China in the 1970s, no Republican Administration could have done what the Obama OMB has done to the home appreciation rate used in the HECM budget computation. So that you are clear there have been 3 Republican Administrations that have proposed budgets reflecting HECMs and only two Democratic. Counterintuitively, Democratically controlled Congresses and a Democratic Administration are doing their utmost to curtail this program.

Most would not classify me as Democratic or Republican. I live in a blue state, not a red. My district is so blue that for years not one Republican has run for the House and I refuse to move to a red district. Both of my grandfathers were union members, as well as my mother. My father has never been a union member.

By your statement, reciting these facts seems to constitute a political statement. If that is your opinion, you are not alone.

HECM_Vet

Where is Jerry Orbach when we need him?

HECM_Vet

Most Americans recognize Fred Thompson as the actor who appeared on Law and Order, unless they're political junkies or from Tennessee.

Igor

Way to go AAG! AAG has exhibited resiliency and productivity in regards to their marketing campaigns. On the contrary, NRMLA has charged its members a per file fee for a “PR campaign” that in 2 years has yet to produce…anything…but revenue for themselves.

The_Critic

HECM_Vet,

Great point!!

I could not believe what a great job SLN did with those early videos. Jerry came off as an “every man.” He came off as a very approachable, understandable, friendly, and really great spokesperson. Most seniors were well acquainted with him and he did not come with a lot of negative baggage. His presentation style was perfect and the setting was modest.

While I like former Senator Thompson, he does have some (not much) negative issues. All in all, he should be a great addition to AAG and a very positive image for the industry. Kudos to AAG.

Anonymous

HECM_Vet,rnrnGreat point!! rnrnI could not believe what a great job SLN did with those early videos. Jerry came off as an u201cevery man.u201d He came off as a very approachable, understandable, friendly, and really great spokesperson. Most seniors were well acquainted with him and he did not come with a lot of negative baggage. His presentation style was perfect and the setting was modest.rnrnWhile I like former Senator Thompson, he does have some (not much) negative issues. All in all, he should be a great addition to AAG and a very positive image for the industry. Kudos to AAG. rn

HECM Vet

He's also been promoting his new book, “Teaching the Pig to Dance.” Never one to miss an opportunity, this should help give him some extra publicity.

Guest

He’s also been promoting his new book, “Teaching the Pig to Dance.” Never one to miss an opportunity, this should help give him some extra publicity.

Rjohn22723

The day I take the word of a well paid neo-con won’t be soon or even ever!

Pmdm1

Has anyone ever noticed that the number on the home that Fred is speaking from has the number 1942 by its door? That’s the year he was born. Coincident?